The STA is proud of its history as a social justice union. This means that as an organization of professionals, we accept and act on our broad responsibility to be involved in the social development of the communities and the province we live in, and we do this in the interest of the children we teach.

A social justice union advocates for social change that will enhance equity, security and safety, sustainability of communities, participation of citizens in social change, and access to opportunities for personal growth and development.

The social justice initiatives of the STA focus on poverty, child and youth issues, race relations, gender equity, homophobia and heterosexism, bullying, environmental issues, globalization, and violence prevention.

Social Justice Films Available for Viewing

Why not use a fascinating film to get your students thinking this year! Or why not borrow a few for your staff to view, or for your personal interest?

The STA’s International Solidarity Committee has a library of film resources for teachers to preview for use with their classes or simply for their own interest and education. The collection is called “Justice to Go” and is easily accessible. First, please browse our film list. Email Julia Macrae at 1vp@surreyteachers.org to request the DVD. It will be delivered to you in the courier at your school, and you can return it the same way a few weeks later.

There are films for various grade levels and content areas available on all kinds of social justice topics including war and peace issues, the devastation of AIDS in Africa, water privatization, immigration, sweat shops, genetically modified foods and Monsanto, poverty, oil, and globalization. Many films come with resource suggestions as well, and we invite you to include any resources you may develop for use with your class.